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Hey everyone, I haven't been on here for awhile but when I first started out, you all had some great tips. I've been selling on ebay and ETSY under OneFunWall for about 8 years. Business started out really strong but has gone way down hill. I've never advertised locally and I am wondering what type of advertising to you all use. Social media, newspaper, flyers?? Just looking for some ideas. Thanks OFW

Hello all, for a while now I have worked with stickers, decals and signage. Because of my interest in graphic design, and the contacts I have who work in the field and would be happy to work with me, I'd like to start a design and print business. I intend to be able to make business cards, flyers, banners, menus - anything that could be considered advertising really. Would a Roland print and cut machine do the job, or would I need something more specialised for business cards and the like? What could be accomplished with a traditional print machine? My budget realistically is around £7000/$9000 here in the UK. Thanks!

Hello everyone I'm completely new to all of this and have yet to get any type of equipment, but I'm very interested in starting a small business from home. I was wondering if any of you could give me any tips on purchasing a vinyl cutting machine and heat press. keep in mind that I have never used a machine and have only seen a couple of videos on youtube. thanks any info is great!!!!!

I'm about to share some personal information - not my comfort zone to do that on something like this, but I would love to get advice from people in this industry. I have a day job. A very good paying day job - That I am pretty much miserable at. I have switched companies several times (private to government and back) and I think it is just not the profession for me. While I do well at my job, I just am not enjoying it or the long hours plus the stress. In comes my vinyl hobby. I have had this hobby for a while, and I have considered starting it as a side business. Selling wall decals and such on Etsy. I am finding it hard to get time to even get that going since buying my new 24" cutter since I work such long hours. I have an opportunity to do some signs and such locally coming up, and it has gotten me thinking that I could add local signs to my business and maybe go all out and do it full time. Go big or go home right?? I had originally thought I would dip my toe in and try it out, but I just don't think I have the time to spare right now with my job to do so and really give it a fair shot. I have no Graphic Design background, but I do have extensive design background in AutoCad and GIS. So I have some basic knowledge of how to technically do some things (vector design/drawing etc) but the graphic design part of it is something I know I will need to work on. I am prepared to put time and effort into learning some basics on my own and if it becomes necessary take a class at a local college. Also I am looking for a business that might allow me to work from home. I want to start a family, but I also want to have 2 incomes without having my kids in daycare all the time. I grew up with self employed parents and I know it takes alot of work and long hours, but I also was never in daycare so I see the pros and cons. This kind of thing is a choice everyone has to make on their own, but I just can't see myself working the schedule I do now and having children. So my new found internet friends, I guess what I am trying to get around to asking is can you share your general opinions and experiences concerning this sort of thing? I realize business' take a while to get going, but if I were to commit full time to something like this and give it my all, I am wondering if this is realistically something I can make a decent income at. Also, is this type of sign business stable? Those are the sorts of things I would love for you to share with me. I live in a rural area, and I think I can market to the locals (Realtors, business' and clubs and such). I can offer them a local option and save them a long drive or an internet order. Thank you! Marie